Showing posts with label birds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birds. Show all posts

3/31/2011

Feathered Friends: 18 Paper-Pieced Blocks for Bird Lovers [Paperback] Review

Feathered Friends: 18 Paper-Pieced Blocks for Bird Lovers [Paperback]Paper piecing is not my favorite type of quilting mostly due to my dislike of the fabric waste.However, this book has excellent patterns / projects for birds that I think those who don't like to applique or want a faster way to achieve these designs will truly enjoy.Directions are easily understood and implemented.TIPS:(1) If you are new to paper piecing, try using BATIK fabrics that have no right or wrong side.This helps you to avoid using "Mr. Ripper" when you place your fabric the wrong way against the paper piecing pattern. (2) Use a two-ply thread like Aurifil Mako 50 wt (Aurifil 50 wt Taupe is my color preference for all piecing) and a thinner needle 75/11 or 70/10 sharps.These help eliminate bulk especially with the very small pieces.

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Product Description:
18 beautiful paper-pieced blocks for bird lovers feature chickadees, wrens, woodpeckers, swallows, swans, puffins, gulls, and many others.

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3/21/2011

For the Birds: Paper-Pieced Birdhouses and Bird Feeders [Paperback] Review

For the Birds: Paper-Pieced Birdhouses and Bird Feeders [Paperback]Just try choosing which project to do FIRST - they're all so pretty!!
If I'm counting correctly, there are 10 birdhouse designs, 7 bird feeders, and 5 filler blocks.All blocks are shown with FULL color photographs, and the birdhouse/feeder blocks are shown as completed projects, with borders/sashing/binding, so you get great finishing ideas, and great color suggestions.
The patterns each include a color photograph, a chart with the fabric key, sewing order, and suggestions for block embellishments.The pattern itself is full size, but does not include the seam allowances, nor are the multi-piece patterns already separated for you.The author has used dashed lines to delineate the different pieces in the multi-piece patterns (in comparison to other books just showing BOLD lines, which are hard to differentiate from the other pattern lines - at least - for ME).The individual sections of each pattern are clearly labelled with the section number and the fabric key.If you have NOT done paper piecing before, there is a large information section at the front with LOTS of instructions and drawings - even people experienced with paper piecing will find these instructions helpful!
In addition to the 20+ block designs, you will find 6 "Individual Block Wall Hangings" - with full color pictures, clear and detailed instructions with drawings - even a Christmas design!!
My hat is off to Jaynette Huff - what a fabulous book :).(But please, consider putting block sizes and seam allowances on your patterns, lol).

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Product Description:
Build your own bird sanctuary with fabric and thread!
Stitch a tribute to your favorite feathered friends with the ease of paper piecing. Even if you've never paper pieced before, you'll be amazed at the accurate results you can achieve by following these simple steps. Now you can bring the beauty of birds and birdhouses indoors to enjoy.
· Twenty-five beautiful block designs feature a variety of large and small birds, plus birdhouses and feeders, butterflies, and a bird bath
· Five whimsical quilt patterns range from small one-block wall hangings to larger 12- and 16-block arrangements
· Full-size patterns make it easy to start your first project right away, while a primer on paper piecing will build beginner confidence
· Bonus! Find ideas for adding a pinch of pizzazz to your projects with quarter-inch fabric frames
Let your love and admiration "for the birds" shine in these fresh, fun designs!

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3/09/2011

Wild Birds: Designs for Applique & Quilting [Paperback] Review

Wild Birds: Designs for Applique & Quilting [Paperback]A highly recommended pick for those involved in quilting and home decoration projects, Carol Armstrong's Wild Birds contains over twenty full-size patterns and directions for 8 projects, providing beautiful birdimages which range from titmouse and hummingbird to orioles and swallows.The attention to birding detail provides more depth and ideas than most.

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Product Description:
Inspired by her keen personal observations of nature, thecreator of the beautiful bird designs in this book offers full-sizepatterns and directions for eight charming projects.
Detailed instructions teach readers how to master the lightboxappliqu technique, a no-template method suited to beginners aswell as experienced sewers, for producing designs to be appliqudon quilts, clothing, and a range of home decor items.

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2/23/2011

Artful Applique: The Easy Way (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

Artful Applique: The Easy Way [Paperback]Over 130 pages of great instruction and realistic photos that show that anyone who takes the time can do applique.Not only are the designs that you can Xerox for patterns crisp, but the instruction is easy to read and follow. And the photos are exact size, so you see what you will get when you are done.
I liked the book because it also says that we can choose our own material, which suits our own desires, where some books say you have to have this or that type of material made by this ir that maker, and you end up running all over the place and come home discouraged and throw your hands up and say *&%#@+ and vow never to try and do applique again.
This is the book that can help you become less discouraged and a success at a wonderful art form.

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8/18/2010

Gathered From The Garden: Quilts With Floral Charm [Paperback] Review

Gathered From The Garden: Quilts With Floral Charm [Paperback]I love the patterns in this book. I have a friend and teacher that will help me with some of the more difficult schemes. I am a fairly new quilter and very motivated by this book. The best part is that I know my grandmother would have loved these quilt patterns, especially the secret garden.

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Product Description:
You don t need a green thumb to grow this beautiful garden! Popular flower motifs are showcased in fresh, pretty quilts. Gather seeds of inspiration from your own garden, and then use quick applique methods to sow them.

*Flower blocks are showcased in eight projects, such as Sunflower Circle, My Secret Garden, and a table runner

*Learn a quick, no-measure method for adding borders

*Find handy tricks for appliqueing perfect stems, circles, and other shapes, plus tips for choosing color combinations

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